Friday, January 28, 2011

Public Service Matters

We just received some depressing news this morning. Governor Branstad gave his budget and program presentation to the Iowa General Assembly, and the cuts to libraries are going to run very deep. I understand that times are still tough, and that money is still tight. But I also understand the importance of public service and what Iowa's libraries mean to the communities they serve. Statistics over the last ten years show a large increase in patronage to Iowa's libraries. Library visits increased 40 percent from FY00, with 19,656,938 visits reported in FY10. That’s an average of 53,854 people walking into their local public libraries a day! To continually cut budgets of libraries is detrimental not only to the staff, but also to the patrons they serve. Public service matters. Period. People rely on our expertise, our skills, our materials, and our facilities to provide them services in tough times. The more our budgets are cut, the less we're able to serve.


To see just how deep the cuts are coming, here are the numbers that Mary Wegner, our State Librarian reported:

1. State Library. The proposed funding level of $1,219,799 represents a cut of 6% ($77,859) from the State Library’s mid-FY11 level of $1,297,658. If enacted, the FY12 State Library budget will be 19% below the FY11 legislative appropriation; 22% down from FY10; and 36% down from FY09.

2. Library Service Areas. The proposed funding level of $1,013,905 represents a cut of 10% ($114,717) from the Library Service Area’s mid-FY11 level of $1,128,622. If enacted, the FY12 LSA budget will be 12% below their original FY11 level, 30% down from FY10, and 37% down from FY09.

3. Enrich Iowa program for libraries. The proposed funding level of $1,688,316 represents a cut of 25% ($557,765) from FY11. All Enrich Iowa funding from the Rebuild Iowa Infrastructure Fund (RIIF) is eliminated; RIIF funding was $450,000 in FY11 and $950,000 in FY10. If enacted, Enrich Iowa funding in FY12 will be down 39% from FY10.

4. Total state funding for libraries. The proposed overall funding level of $3,922,020 represents a cut of 16% from the mid-FY11 level and a cut of 28% from the original FY11 level.


Don't want to see this happen? Contact your local state legislators and the governor and let them know how important your libraries are to you. Your support is needed now more than ever.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

February Programs Coming Soon!!

Alright, you naughty little patrons. I have been slaving away at coming up with lots of new programming for a new year, and what happens?! You don't show up!!! So...here's my threat...either you start showing up to my programs or I'm going to quit doing them! (Okay, not really, but I like to threaten people...it makes me feel empowered!)

So...for your perusal (and required attendance), here are our adult programs for February:


Cold Nights, Hot Reads--Adult Winter Reading Program

Join us for our Adult Winter Reading Program from February 1-February 28!


First In Flight: The Tuskegee Airmen

In honor of Black History Month, join us for a fascinating look at the Tuskegee Airmen! This presentation, on February 12th at 2pm will include historical information and artifacts, as well as a question and answer session.

This program is in conjunction with the African American Museum of Iowa.


Master Gardeners Series

They're back! We are excited to once again be offering a series of gardening classes from the Linn County Master Gardeners. All classes meet on Wednesdays in the Community Room from 6-7pm.

Topics are as follows:

February 9th-Daylilies: The Perfect Perennial This class covers the basic information needed to grow perfect daylilies.LCMG and American Hemerocallis Garden Judge Zora Ronan will talk about selection, planting, and maintenance. This class is for those who are just beginning to take an interest in daylilies.

February 16th-Gardening in Small Yards and Containers Not having an acreage or a large yard is not an excuse for not raising some of your own vegetables and fruits. In fact a small yard and several containers may be the more efficient way to garden for the busy gardener. Join Master Gardener Judy Stevens, and learn techniques and share ideas with other classmates for an informative and fun class. Bring your experiences to share.

February 23rd-Edible Mushroom Orientation Learn about edible mushrooms other than the morel. Marty Augustine is a member of the Prairie States Mushroom Club.

March 2nd-New Perennials for 2011 Garden catalogs are full of amazing perennials. How do we select the right perennials for our garden? Which Perennials are the best for Iowa gardens? Even if you have been growing Perennials for years, Deb Walser will show some of the newest and coolest perennials available in Nurseries near you. Deb will also talk about her favorite plants that grow in her gardens.



Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Literacy runs deep in my family...

Evidently I'm not the only one who feels that literacy is important...


my cat also feels that it is important as well...even if it is through osmosis! (Or napping!)